Local doughnut lovers have been waiting patiently since summer for Firecakes Donuts' opening day. Nestled in an unassuming storefront in The Emerson high-rise on the corner of North Boulevard and Maple Avenue, the day-old shop is already churning out small-batch, artisan doughnuts with ease.

Paying a little more for Gulf shrimp is a good way to ensure you're not supporting slavery and other repugnant labor practices – plus, you get the added advantage of buying American…and Gulf shrimp tastes better.

City Barbeque, an award-winning barbeque joint built on a foundation of "low and slow" smoked meats, made-from-scratch sides, indulgent desserts, and a healthy dose of backyard hospitality, recently opened its first location in the Chicagoland at 7108 W Cermak Rd. A ribbon cutting was held in conjunction with the City of Berwyn and the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) on October 30.

The Strange Food Festival is a way to recognize the kinds of foods people in other parts of the world enjoy, but it's also a way to bring attention to some of the smaller restaurants in Chicago that may not get the attention they deserve.